From Suffering to Hope
Romans 5:3-4 ESV
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope”
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Anxiety. Depression. Addiction. Betrayal. Abuse. Loneliness. Fear.
When I think of the various reasons someone might seek out counseling care, “sufferings” seems like the perfect catchall description. When a prospective client reaches out, one thing is almost true: life has been difficult, and suffering is present. While counseling may present an immediate opportunity for a client to experience empathy, compassion, and care, it also sets a much larger journey in motion—a journey from present sufferings to long-lasting relief and hope.
How is this transformation possible? How can someone actually rejoice in their sufferings, because they know with full confidence that hope lies ahead? This is the kind of change that all forms of therapy and counseling try to produce! Unfortunately, it will never be produced in and of ourselves—this kind of hope requires a supernatural force.
When I think of this kind of transformation, I think of 1 Peter 5. The promises in this chapter highlight God’s overwhelming grace that meets us in times of need:
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you… Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.”
What is the supernatural power that can transform our hearts and relieve our sufferings? Simply put, it is the grace of God. The same grace that led Him to love you, pursue you, give His Son for you—it is this very grace that can work in our hearts to restore, strengthen, and support us in our sufferings.
Have you experienced this grace? Are you struggling to feel it, to know it, or to rely on it? When God’s grace seems far away, sufferings abound. When we find ourselves in this position, there is only one solution—receiving God’s grace through His life-giving truths.
In John 8:32, Jesus promises, “If you continue in My word… You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” There is freedom to be found in God’s truths. If you are suffering and searching for relief, this is my hope for you—that you will learn God’s truths, receive His grace, and be set free from the sufferings you currently feel. That would certainly be a reason to rejoice!
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If you or someone you know are suffering and searching for hope, I would love to hear from you and discuss how counseling could be a helpful resource. You can find my intake form HERE.
